A GROUP of disabled people enjoying a new cycling experience became the victims of a cruel jibe.

The ugly incident overshadowed the launch of the scheme in Flintshire.

Disabled people and carers had gathered in Etna Park, Buckley, to ride specially adapted bikes and tricycles.

Soon after they arrived, two dog walkers approached and complained about them cycling in the park.

One is said to have commented that disabled people on bikes were ‘going to turn the area into a day care centre for the handicapped’.

County Councillor Ron Hampson, whose son Stephen is disabled, said: ‘One woman evidently shouted to the group that disabled people should not be allowed in the park and should be kept in a special centre.

‘I’m disgusted in this day and age that people can think that way and make hurtful remarks about the disabled.’

Margaret Roberts, of Buckley, whose disabled son Stephen was one of the first to take part in the project, said: ‘This kind of verbal abuse and narrow-mindedness is disgusting. I feel sick just thinking about it.’

Mrs Roberts complained about the incident to former Mayor of Buckley Dennis Hutchinson.

He said: ‘This kind of remark is sheer prejudice and quite shocking in this day and age.

‘We don’t want narrow-minded people like this giving Buckley a bad name.

‘The vast majority of people in the town are very caring.

‘If I knew who made the remarks I would certainly want to confront them. What they said was highly offensive.’